Monday, June 13, 2016

UPDATE: Springs LGBTQ community stands in solidarity with Orlando victims

The shooting on Sunday morning marks the deadliest mass shooting in US history.

In a Facebook conversation, Colorado Springs PrideFest has confirmed that they raised a total of $3,000 for the victims of the Orlando shooting. The total includes Club Q's contribution, an auction of art by Andrew Cronk and money raised at the show and vigil. The money will go to The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida.

——ORIGINAL POST 5:22 A.M. MON., JUN 13, 2016——

Just after 2 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday, a 29-year-old man opened fire in Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Hours later, he was killed after a firefight with police. At least 50 people were killed, and a reported 53 more were wounded, many critically, making this the most deadly mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The case is still under investigation, though President Barack Obama confirmed that the FBI is investigating this as an act of terrorism.
In solidarity, Colorado Springs' LGBTQ community came together for a vigil Sunday night at Club Q, 3430 N. Academy Blvd. City Council Member Jill Gaebler and Annie Oatman Gardner, local director for U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, spoke about the travesty.

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Griffin Swartzell

Karen Peace donated $100 to the families of the Orlando victims, then did her best Stevie Nicks impression.

"We are always all the same. We are part of the human race," said Gaebler.
Colorado Springs Pride members were on the scene collecting donations for families of the victims.

The parking lot where the speeches were given and the candles raised was filled with families, lovers and many more — one attendant estimated a third of the Springs' LGBTQ community showed.
Inside Club Q, after the initial event, the Sunday night drag show went on roughly as planned — but with the night's tips set to go to the families of the victims of the shooting. Within an hour and a half, through tips alone, the performers had raised more than $300.

The evening also reiterated the role of gay nightclubs as safe spaces for all LGBTQ persons. During the show, hostess Manny Queen brought out a young woman named Brianna. Brianna came out to her parents the day before, to a negative reaction. She was given a minutes-long standing ovation and lauded onstage and off for her bravery. For people like Brianna, spaces like Club Q can be the only places where they can express themselves without the threat of violence.

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Griffin Swartzell

Mani Queen greets her adoring audience.

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Griffin Swartzell

Luscious Divine Banks was loved by the crowd.

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Griffin Swartzell

Orion Galaxxxy lightened up the evening, entering the room fast-food-bag first and eating his way into the audience's hearts.

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Griffin Swartzell

Zeus Devereaux somersaulted through the Backstreet Boys' "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely."